Bus Franchising

SPT is taking forward the development of bus franchising for local services across the region, in line with the provisions of the 2019 Transport (Scotland) Act. This includes developing a Franchise Framework and Assessment, commissioning an independent audit, and undergoing final scrutiny by a panel appointed by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.

What’s Been Done So Far

The outline Franchising Assessment programme was approved by the SPT Partnership at its meeting on 19 December 2025 (www.spt.co.uk/media/f0alkliy/p191225_agenda6.pdf). This approval allows SPT and its partners to begin a structured assessment of bus franchising, in line with the requirements of the 2019 Transport (Scotland) Act.

Following approval, an internal Bus Reform Team has been established to further scope, develop and deliver the Franchising Assessment programme.

Works to procure consultancy support have also been progressed, ensuring that the Bus Reform Team are supported by suitable external expertise covering legal, technical and financial aspects of the Franchising Assessment programme.

Further details are available via regular updates to SPT committees, for example - www.spt.co.uk/media/h2wnnjoe/sp060326_agenda9.pdf.

Updates on progress will be published on this page and our social channels as the assessment programme progresses.